Chromium

Chromium Supplements

If sticking to a clean, low-carb diet and regular exercise isn't doing enough to help you manage your blood sugar and waistline, perhaps chromium is the missing piece of the puzzle. chromium is a trace mineral that is essential for proper metabolic function and healthy blood sugar metabolism.

It is naturally present in a wide range of foods including; brewer's yeast, meat, potatoes, cheese, whole grains, as well as fruits and vegetables. However, because of the industrialization of the food chain, most foods today contain little chromium. As a result, up to 25 to 50% of the North American population may be deficient.

Chromium supplementation offers a variety of health benefits, but it's probably best known as a metabolism booster/weight loss aid. It’s also extremely useful to enhance the effects of insulin in the body. Chromium, which is sometimes referred to as glucose tolerance factor (GTF), is recognized as a blood sugar regulator, that helps insulin transport glucose into your cells, where it can be used as fuel. Without insulin, sugar stays in your blood and your cells are starved of energy.

This is why an inadequate intake of chromium has been linked to the development of glucose intolerance, a condition that, left unaddressed, can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes. Even mild chromium deficiency can lead to insulin resistance, central obesity, and a variety of metabolic abnormalities. Because of this, chromium supplementation has been associated with a reduced risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and better appetite control.

Just as interestingly, because of the importance of a healthy insulin response for brain health and cognitive function as we age, chromium supplementation may offer protection against age-related alterations in the brain.

Benefits of Chromium

• Enhances Energy & Metabolism
• Regulates Blood Sugar

Who Needs Chromium?

Practitioners will often recommend chromium to help regulate blood sugar. It’s also often recommended to boost energy expenditure (calories used by the body), stimulate metabolism and weight loss, as well as enhance muscle and exercise performance.

Chromium Potency, Forms & Formats

Potency

These supplements come in a variety of potencies and the recommended daily dose is in the 200-600mcg range. Your practitioner may recommend a higher dose depending on your health status.

Forms

In supplement form, it is available in a few different forms: picolinate, chloride, nicotinate/polynicotinate, chelate, and citrate. Chromium picolinate is the natural form of the mineral and is said to offer the best absorption.

Chromium pairs especially well with Vanadium, B complex vitamins, magnesium (for insulin resistance), and cinnamon.

Formats

These supplements are available in capsule form (animal-based or vegetarian).

Choosing The Right Supplement For You

Monitor your blood sugar closely if you are taking insulin, since both chromium and insulin can reduce blood sugar. Combining the two may cause too sharp a drop in your blood sugar. Your insulin dose may need to be adjusted down.

Chromium can reduce the efficacy of synthetic thyroid hormones (Synthroid/levothyroxine) – take this supplement at least 3 to 4 hours before or after your medication and speak with your health care practitioner if you’re on any medications.